At the same time, it's hard to shake the notion that the SE is boring. The diminutive device is, by all accounts, a carbon copy of the iPhone 5. That phone may have never stopped being gorgeous, depending on who you talk to, but it's been around for four years.

There is one area, though, where this design recycling is convenient: cases. The fact that the iPhone SE shares all the same contours as the 5 and 5s means that the vast majority of protective cases that fit those devices will also fit this new one.

It's an unusually wallet-friendly move on Apple's part: iPhone 5/5s owners who plan on upgrading to the SE can squeeze more mileage out of any cases they may enjoy today, while everyone else can take advantage how cheap those cases have become as the years have passed.

Some manufacturers have newer, SE-specific cases on the way, but for those who are making the switch right away, we've rounded up a few 5/5s cases that we already know are worthwhile. If you want to protect your investment, they'll help you make everything old feel new again.

Otterbox Defender

Amazon

Otterbox is the name most synonymous with iPhone cases, and the Defender series is its flagship. You have to snap the phone into three separate layers to get the full extent of its protection, but once you do, just about every inch of the device will have some sort of coverage. You can attach a belt holster, too. The whole line has a 4.5 rating on Amazon after 5,400 user reviews.Otterbox Defender for iPhone 5/5s/SE (Black), $27.25, available at Amazon.

3/

Apple Leather Case

Amazon

Like many Apple products, the Cupertino company's Leather Case is probably a bit overpriced. It's not going to save your iPhone from anything more than stray scratches, but it goes on easy, covers tightly, and deploys a real leather finish that just feels nice in the hand. We wouldn't fault you for finding it more boring than refined, but if you want at least some protection without making your investment feel cheap, it's a solid option.Apple iPhone SE Leather Case, $39, available at Apple.

4/

CM4 Q Card Case

Amazon

If you're of the wallet-case persuasion, CM4's Q Card Case should prove reliable. It's not flashy, but it doesn't feel cheap, and it can hold up to three cards (and a couple bills) without warping them the way some cheaper alternatives do. While it can't take a beating the way the Speck or Otterbox can, it covers the iPhone's ports and buttons well, and it's impressively thin for a card case.CM4 Q Card Case for iPhone 5/5s/SE (Brown), $32.45, available at Amazon.

5/

Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book

Amazon

The Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book isn't what we'd call practical, but it's hard to say it's not luxurious. (Insofar as an iPhone case can feel as much.) It's a folio-style wallet case, thoughtfully made of leather, wood, and nylon, with four slots for cash and cards. You'll have to remove its elastic strap and hold a flap down whenever you want to use your phone, but if you aren't totally attached, it'll lessen the blow of covering up Apple's craftsmanship.

LifeProof Nüüd

Amazon

If you're genuinely concerned about spills or splashes wrecking your iPhone someday, look to the LifeProof Nüüd. LifeProof hasn't officially declared the 5s model compatible with the SE, but Apple has, so we're going off that. Either way, the rugged Nüüd can last under six feet of water for up to an hour, yet isn't so bulky to make normal navigation a huge pain. Don't take it scuba diving, but it should give you peace of mind at the beach or by the pool.LifeProof Nüüd for iPhone 5/5s (White/Clear), $39.42, available at Amazon.

7/

Rokform Rokshield v3

Amazon

Finally, the Rokform Rokshield v3 is worth a peek for those who plan to mount their iPhone to, say, a car dashboard. It's sturdy and easy to use, if a bit unsightly, but the real appeal is its included mounting bracket. That snaps into place, and, with an included magnet or adhesive, lets you quickly post your phone up in a car, bike, or what have you. It's a niche case, but it does what it claims.Rokform Rokshield v3 for iPhone 5/5s/SE, $38.94, available at Amazon.

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